A New Way to Showcase Your Learning, Skills, and Experiences
The Central Success Journey (CSJ) is Central’s innovative digital credential - also known as a Comprehensive Learner Record - designed to capture your full college experience in one place.
Unlike a traditional transcript that focuses only on courses and grades, the Central Success Journey provides a comprehensive and verified record of your academic achievements, experiences, skills, and accomplishments inside and outside the classroom.
It is an official university document that complements (but does not replace) your transcript and helps you better communicate your strengths to employers, graduate programs, and others.
Why the Central Success Journey Matters
The Central Success Journey helps you better understand and communicate your growth, skills, and experiences gained during your time at Central:
- Showcase your full story—not just grades, but skills and experiences
- Connect your learning to real-world competencies
- Stand out in a competitive job market
- Articulate your growth and achievements clearly
What’s Included in the Central Success Journey
1. Career Readiness Coursework
This section connects your academic coursework to skills valued by employers through nationally recognized competencies such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism.
2. Experiential Learning Opportunities
This section highlights how you apply your learning beyond the classroom, including leadership roles, campus involvement, internships, service learning, and study abroad experiences.
3. Academic Achievements
This section highlights your academic accomplishments, including honors such as Dean’s List, program recognitions, and other academic distinctions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the CJS work?
The CSJ is automatically updated using existing data from university systems and campus partners. No additional action is required for most experiences.
Is this the same as my transcript?
No. The CSJ complements your transcript by providing a broader picture of your experiences and skills.
Is it official?
Yes. The Central Success Journey is an official, verified university credential issued through our partner, Parchment.
Who will receive it?
The initial cohort includes new and transfer undergraduate students who began at Central in Fall 2025, with ongoing expansion each semester.
How can I use it?
You can share your CSJ with employers, graduate schools, and others to demonstrate your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
Where does the information come from?
Data is collected from multiple campus partners, including academic departments, student activities, and career services.
What are the NACE competencies?
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines career readiness competencies as the foundational skills and abilities that prepare college graduates for success in the workplace and lifelong career management.
These competencies help employers understand the value of your academic and experiential learning.They include:
- Career & Self Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
What Central courses have been aligned with the NACE competencies?
View the current list of aligned courses
Initially, Central faculty have focused on aligning general education courses with NACE competencies; however, additional alignments will be added in future semesters.
Who do I contact if I have questions about content on my CSJ?
Questions about Career Readiness Courses
- Review course alignments to NACE competencies here. If you have additional questions, contact the Office of the Registrar.
Questions about Experiential Learning Opportunities
Experiential learning data on the CSJ originates from multiple campus partners. If you have questions, please contact the appropriate campus partner.
- Athletics Leadership – Amy Strickland
- Study Abroad – Zongxiang Mei
- Organizational Leadership - Sarah Horrax, Brianna Kirk, and Danni Emery
- Internships & Co-Ops – Office of Career & Professional Development
- Community Engaged Courses, Service-Learning Projects, Practicums, Volunteering – Center for Community Engagement & Social Research
- Undergraduate Student Research, Client-Based Projects, Community Centered Research Projects – Nesha Jalaludin
Questions about Academic Achievements
- Dean’s List and President’s List achievements originate from transcript data. If you have additional questions, contact the Office of the Registrar
- Honors Program participation data originates from the Honors Program Director.
- Institutional and Department Awards generally originate from the Provost’s Office.
Looking Ahead
The Central Success Journey will continue to grow as additional experiences, competencies, and achievements are incorporated to more fully represent student success at Central. The CSJ will be published and made available to students after each fall and spring semester.